They say knowledge is power, and that’s definitely the truth when it comes to your air conditioner. While challenging repairs are best left to professionals, it’s helpful to have a practical understanding of your air conditioner and how to solve general AC issues.

Understanding how your AC works and the frequent problems it faces will enable you to fix easy problems without needing to call an HVAC specialist every time. This not only saves you cash on minor service calls, but knowing when to reach out to a professional can help prevent small issues from escalating into catastrophic repairs.

Your Air conditioner is a fundamental part of your home comfort. Because of that, you should always err on the side of caution and call a NATE-certified professional for air conditioning repair in Payson if you're not sure about any aspect of your air conditioning system’s operation or maintenance.

Here are some frequent questions people ask our experts about their air conditioners:

1. What Is the Best Way to Clean an Air Conditioner?

Cleaning your AC is an effective way to make sure it operates efficiently, and very well could extend the life of your unit.

The most significant thing you can do on your own is to replace the air filter in your air conditioner. The filter catches dust, pollen, pet hair and other debris, and removes those impurities from the air circulating inside your home. If your AC filter becomes clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder than it should in order to move air through the filter. A clean filter catches the airborne debris while still enabling air to flow easily through the system.

Replacement filters are sold at most popular home improvement stores, hardware stores or can be ordered from your local HVAC expert. A good way to make sure you get the right filter is to look at your old one before you head out for the store, taking care to write down the size of the filter. If you’re not familiar with filters, it’s also a smart idea to note the filtration level of the current filter if you are hoping to buy something similar.

For thorough service of your air conditioner, contact the experienced professionals like the crew at North Mechanical Heating and Cooling to do scheduled maintenance on your system. They’ll inspect your system, clean or lubricate parts that need it and look for worn-out parts and potential problems.

2. How Are the Coils on My Air Conditioner Cleaned?

In addition to making certain that your indoor air conditioner equipment is working efficiently, it’s necessary to tend to your outdoor unit. Cleaning the coils on the exterior unit of your AC is an easy way to boost its efficiency and can extend the life of your entire system.

The coils, which have extensions called fins, are used to release heat from the refrigerant into the cooler air outside. This lowers the temperature of the refrigerant, which then goes back into your home so it can take in more heat from the air within your home. Washing the fins and the coils will help them release heat more effectively.

To clean your air conditioner’s fins and coil:

1) First, shut off power to the outdoor unit. It’s best to disconnect it completely from power, as opposed to turning the thermostat off.

2) Take off the top of the outdoor AC so you can reach the inside of the unit. Then, taking care not to stress any cords or attachments, safely put the top to the side.

3) Put a cleaning solution on the fins, beginning at the top and then working your way down. Commercial coil cleaners are on the market and commonly found in both the canned aerosol spray from as well as brands foaming solutions that are sprayed on with your garden hose.

4) Follow directions on the product to apply. For most products, it's advised that you spray the product on, let the cleaner soak in for a brief period of time to loosen the grime and then softly spray it off with a garden hose. Be cautious not to spray really hard, because that could ruin the coils or fins!

5) Secure the top back on the unit and then wait for the coils and fins to dry before turning it back on.

3. What Is the Average Lifespan of My Air Conditioner?

The life span of an air conditioner can vary based on the type of unit, its quality, if maintained and how often it's used. That said, industry experts say you should start looking into air conditioner replacement after about 12-15 years.

One of the best ways to get the most mileage out of your air conditioner is through regularly scheduled conditioner maintenance. Routine checkups from North Mechanical Heating and Cooling includes cleaning and inspecting the machinery, as well as replacing the filter and fixing any worn-out or broken parts. To keep your unit operating as long as it can, call us today to schedule air conditioning maintenance in Payson.

4. What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need?

Finding the right size of air conditioner for your home is crucial for keeping comfort and efficiency. Here are some elements to take into account when deciding what size air conditioner you need for your home:

  • Square footage: The amount of space you need to cool is one of the key factors. Bigger spaces demand more cooling power.
  • Home insulation: Well-insulated homes retain cool air better, which could decrease your cooling needs.
  • Climate: If you are living in a hotter climate, you'll want a more powerful air conditioner compared to a person living in a cooler climate.
  • Number of windows: Windows frequently let in heat, particularly when they're south-facing or not well-insulated.
  • Number of occupants: More people in the house means greater body heat, which could influence your cooling needs.
  • Present HVAC system: The size and effectiveness of your current system can provide a place to start for identifying what you need.

Due to the fact the size of your cooling system is so critical to your home’s comfort, you will probably want a professional opinion. At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we take the time to fully understand your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs and the many other variables such as your home’s design and size. This attention to detail and commitment to customer service is why North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is known for superb air conditioning installation in Payson.

5. What Is the Cost of a New Air Conditioner?

While prices differ depending on the type of the unit and your home’s unique specifications, a new AC generally costs between $5,000 and $12,500 to purchase and install. The good news is that new air conditioners are developed to be exceptionally efficient, so they do more with less power when compared to older units.

The price of an air conditioner is affected by several factors during the manufacturing process, such as the cost and availability of raw materials, manufacturing and labor costs as well as federal regulations that can impact the design.

Note these are average costs and prices can vary. It's always a good idea to get several quotes from reliable HVAC companies before making a decision. If you’re considering air conditioning replacement in Payson, reach out to North Mechanical Heating and Cooling. We can provide you with a free estimate, explain the plan and help connect you with available rebates or discounts.

6. What Causes an Air Conditioner to Freeze Up?

An air conditioner freezing up can be due to a variety of factors, all of which boil down to the system's inability to efficiently transfer heat. If your unit is having issues causing it to freeze up, it is more than likely time for air conditioning repair.

Here are some frequent causes of AC freezing up:

  • Insufficient airflow: If the air isn't flowing properly through your AC system, it can't effectively absorb heat. This could be due to a dirty air filter, obstructed return air ducts or a failing fan.
  • Low refrigerant levels: If your air conditioner is running low on refrigerant, it could get too cold and freeze up. This is often because of leaks in the refrigerant lines.
  • Very Chilly outdoor temperatures: Using the air conditioner when it's really cold outside can cause the system to freeze. Most units aren't designed to function in temperatures lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
  • Mechanical failures: Malfunctioning thermostats, damaged blower motors and issues with the relay or control board can all result in an AC unit freezing up.

North Mechanical Heating and Cooling is your Trusted Source for Air Conditioning Service in Payson.

At North Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we will make your home a comfortable and pleasant place. Our knowledgeable technicians are up-to-date on the latest industry training and trends, and are knowledgeable on a wide variety of systems. That’s why community members make us their first call for air conditioning repair in Payson and nearby towns.

If you’re planning to upgrade or its time for a new unit, we’ve got you covered there too, with our first-class air conditioning installation in Payson. No matter what, we can help you solve your cooling issues!

Contact North Mechanical Heating and Cooling today at 928-263-6494 to schedule an appointment or complimentary estimate!